We utilize effective technologies to accelerate our work & advance progress toward SDG7.
We work with individuals and NGOs to find innovative ways to use new technologies like blockchain to accelerate and scale off-grid solar in rural communities in emerging economies. We also envision innovative pilots and sustainable funding models to empower our partner communities to access clean energy and have an ownership stake in the solar deployed.
We focus on SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL #7:
To ensure universal access to clean and affordable energy.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), as of 2022, 600 million people in Africa lack access to electricity, most of them in sub-Saharan Africa. Off-grid solar is seen as the key technology in many rural regions to advance decarbonization, address energy poverty and ensure equitable progress towards SDG7.
Our team
Jon Ruth has over 15 years of experience developing, managing, and constructing over 400MW of C&I and utility-scale solar projects.
He served 7 years on the board of United Solar Initiative working on solar initiatives in Kenya, Guatemala and Nicaragua. Jon has been involved in web3 and blockchain since 2016, and has been full-time in the industry since 2021. For 20+ years, Jon has studied climate change and has a passion for building sustainable solutions to one of the most significant challenges humanity faces.
Coleen Chase is a former lead at the Climate Coordination Network and former contributor on Gitcoin's Climate Advisory and Public Goods Funding teams where she helped manage operations and outreach.
Her background includes marketing and operations at Microsoft and Apple. She is committed to finding innovative and sustainable solutions to ensure an equitable transition to clean energy and clean cooking especially for off-grid communities and rural women in Sub-Saharan Africa.
We've packed a lot of work in a short space of time
Founded October 2022
Jon Ruth and Coleen Chase unite their efforts & create The Solar Foundation with a mission to fund and accelerate off-grid solar for underserved communities in emerging markets.
Funded first project — Feb 2023
Ayowecca Uganda for solar lights & fencing
Expanded into Puerto Rico — Mar 2023
Expanded into Puerto Rico for a new partnership with The Footprint Project for mobile solar generators + workshop;
Expanded into Nigeria — April 2023
Expanded into Nigeria to partner with Helpers Social Development Foundation for solar to power school + computer lab: April 2023
Expanded into Tanzania — 2023 (in progress)
Expanded into Tanzania for OMAWA microgrid project
Support Solar in Underserved Communities
Join us in making a difference by donating, collaborating, or spreading the word about our mission to fund and accelerate solar projects in underserved communities.